Morally, humans have multiple behavioral potentials. Despite some predispositions, they do not seem bound by their genes to be either selfish or cooperative. They exhibit the emotional and cognitive tools for both. Evolution seems to have generated sometimes conflicting motives. Processes at different levels of organization, especially, may foster contrary tendencies. Perhaps this is why philosophers and others, even after many centuries, continue to debate the nature of morality. Ultimately, it seems, humans exercise their cognitive and emotional potential by finding their own ethical trajectory, both individually and collectively.

Inquiry caption

If humans have largely open behavioral programs, what does this imply about human choice and potential? Is human behavior fully determined (or predictable)? Profile a plausible biological perspective on why philosophers have disagreed for centuries, and continue to disagree, about the basics of ethics.
Target Concept: Biologically, humans have multiple moral potentials.